Amanda Leach

Professor Amanda Leach AM is a Senior Principal Research Fellow at Menzies School of Health Research, leading the Ear Health Research Program within the Child Health Division. Her research focuses on pediatric ear diseases, particularly otitis media in Indigenous populations, with a strong emphasis on vaccine development, clinical trials, and public health interventions. She leads major initiatives such as the Hearing for Learning Initiative, a partnership aiming to eliminate educational disparities caused by hearing loss in Indigenous children.

• Academic Title: Research Professor
• Affiliations: Menzies School of Health Research, Child Health Division
• Leadership Roles: NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence Lead (2015–2021), Joint Chair of Hearing for Learning Initiative

Her research interests span otitis media pathogenesis, vaccine efficacy, and improving healthcare access for Indigenous communities. Key projects include the PREVIX vaccine trials and the Deadly Ears in Deadly Hands initiative. She has been recognized with prestigious awards including the NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship and the Order of Australia (AM).

Recent work emphasizes AI-driven diagnosis advancements and systemic improvements in ear health services for remote populations. Over 186 publications highlight her contributions to global pediatric ear health research.

• Awards:
  • NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship (2011)
  • Telstra NT Business Woman of the Year (2019)
  • Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (2020)

Her grants and collaborations include funding from The Balnaves Foundation, NT Government, and Australian Government, supporting large-scale trials and community-based interventions.